How to Change Libraries on an iPod

The Apple iPod is one of the more popular, versatile and easy to use MP3 devices on the market. The most common library tool used by iPod users is iTunes, Apple software created specifically to manage your iPod device. Digital music can be imported, organized and synced to your iPod device with a simple drag and drop function. Your iPod may be associated with one iTunes library; however, this is not always the case. You can manage your iPod with several different libraries residing on the same computer or different computers.

Connect your iPod to the PC where the new library resides. Connect your iPod to the PC using the USB connector that was supplied with your device. You may need to install the device driver software. If this is the case, your computer will prompt you to install it. This process works automatically in most cases.

Open the new iTunes library. In most cases, iTunes will open automatically when the iPod is connected, but not always. If iTunes does not open automatically, double click the "iTunes" icon from the desktop, or locate the application in the "Programs" menu.

Determine whether you wish to use the new library exclusively. If you wish to utilize the contents of the new iTunes library exclusively, simply choose to sync the device to the new library. To do this, highlight the device on the left hand navigation menu, and click on "Sync." The application will warn you that if you choose to continue, you will erase the contents of the iPod. If you are okay with this, click "OK" and proceed.

Change the sync method to manual. If you do not wish to use the new library exclusively and simply wish to add content from the new library, change the sync setting on the iPod through the iTunes application to manually sync the iPod. This is accomplished by accessing the device through iTunes and checking the box, "Manually Manage Music and Videos."

Add new files to the iPod. After changing the iPod to manual mode, you can simply drag and drop music files, videos and photos to the device from the new library.

Tips & Warnings

You will not be able to move music from your iPod device to your original library, so if you change your iPod's sync mode back to automatic, any files added from the second library will be erased.